We’ve got your moving terms covered from ‘additional services’ to the ‘Zzzz’ you’ll need after unpacking
A moving glossary helps you understand key terms like binding estimates, which set flat prices based on room count, and non-binding estimates, which can increase if your move takes longer than expected.
Your moving contract includes additional charges for services like flight charges for stairs, long-carry charges for distant parking, and packing services for boxing and unboxing your belongings.
You should review your bill of lading carefully before signing, as this document serves as both your contract and receipt, outlining all services and costs for your move.
Hiring a local moving company provides clear guidance on estimate types and additional charges, helping you plan your budget and avoid surprises on moving day.
Preparing to move can be stressful, especially when your moving team throws around phrases that you’ve never heard before, which could unknowingly lead to hidden moving costs.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most common moving terms that everyone should know—whether you’re planning to DIY your move or bring in the pros—to make your next move a bit easier.
If you’re hiring a local moving professional, you may have heard a representative from the moving service use the phrase “additional services.” This term describes any extra services that your moving team offers, such as helping with the packing process and reassembling furniture in your new place. Keep in mind that these additional services usually come with additional charges.
If your move involves carting around major home appliances, like your washer or refrigerator, you’ll need a special tool called an appliance dolly. You can use these workhorses-on-wheels to move the bulky and heavy items out of your old place and into your new home with ease.
You’ll find the term assessed value coverage listed on the insurance policy provided by either your movers or the business where you rented a moving truck. If your moving service offers this kind of coverage, you’ll need to provide the lump sum value of the belongings that they’re moving. This type of coverage differs from other options that determine value based on shipment weight.
Your bill of lading (BIL) will serve as both a contract and a receipt from your moving company. This essential document outlines the services the moving company will provide and how much it will cost. As with any binding document, you should make sure you read it thoroughly before signing.
A binding estimate is the flat price provided by a moving company based on the number of items they’re moving (usually determined by how many rooms in your house). A non-binding estimate is more of a rough estimate where the movers will compare your move to similar jobs they’ve done in the past. However, if your move happens to take longer than expected, you can expect that price to increase on your actual moving day.
In a world where cash is king, the service provider needs to get paid when they drop off your items. This phrase means that you’ll need to make your payment in full once your items are delivered to your new home.
Do you live in a fourth-floor walkup? You might see a flight charge added to your moving contract. This additional expense is an add-on for the number of stairs that your movers will have to climb in order to complete the move.
Full replacement value protection is another insurance term used to ensure that all of your items are covered for their full replacement value if they’re lost or damaged. If you pay for full replacement value protection, you can rest assured that your mover will be liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged belongings.
Unlike freight-service movers (which will only move your items to your front door), full-service movers will come into your current home, remove all of your household items, transport them to your new home, and then deliver them to the specific rooms that you choose.
Just like the name suggests, an interstate move involves crossing state lines. An intrastate move stays within state boundaries. You can expect an interstate move to be more expensive than an intrastate move.
Your movers need to have a few different licenses, including those that give them permission to transport household items within the state and across state lines. Check your state’s moving license requirements for more information.
Not every mover will give you a binding or non-binding estimate. Instead, some moving services will charge by linehaul, which is determined by the mileage of your move and the weight of your belongings.
If your moving company has to park far away from your home, they may add a long-carry charge to your bill to make up for all the time they spend hoofing it to and from the truck.
If you need additional help boxing up your house, you may decide to hire a packing service. This service includes movers boxing up your items before they load the truck, and then unboxing them when they arrive at your new home.
A self-service mover is a popular way to save money during the moving process. Self-service movers will often provide a trailer or a pod that you load by yourself, and then they’ll transport it to your new home for you to unload.
If you’re making a long-distance move or traveling during your move, you may need your moving company to store your stuff for a short period. This method is commonly referred to as storage-in-transit (SIT), and it usually has a limit of 180 days.
Unlike insurance, a valuation is an estimate offered by your moving company. It only covers damages and losses caused by your movers. So, valuation won’t help you if a prized piece of artwork gets rain damage during the move. However, it would cover the losses if a mover accidentally put their finger through the canvas while carrying it.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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